The key to restoring lost hearing is finding a way to re-grow hair cells in the cochlea. We’re born with about 30,000 of these tiny sound detectors and because of exposure to noise, age and some types of antibiotics they die off.

The good news: researchers around the world are working to develop techniques to regenerate hairs cells. Now comes word that a team at MIT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Massachusetts Eye and Ear have discovered a combination of drugs that does just that. At least it works in mice.

“There have been a couple patients with hearing improvement, so we are definitely encouraged.” – Dr. Lawrence Lustig

There is no cure for sensorineural hearing loss, the type that most of us with aging ears suffer from. At least not yet. But as I’ve written about in earlier posts, a pioneering treatment may be on the way. It’s called CGF166. It’s the only gene therapy for hearing loss now undergoing human trials in the U.S. and early reports are promising. Here’s a progress report. Continue reading “CGF166 – The Latest News”

Welcome

We are all going deaf, some of us at a faster rate than others. That includes me.
I'm not sure whether to blame The Ramones or some rogue DNA . Whatever. At 40 my hearing tested normal, at 50 I got hearing aids. This site is designed for people like me. I keep up with all the latest technology and medical research. If you are like me and want to improve your hearing and your life, join me. Share your experiences, information and any news you come across. Let's help each other. Digby Cook